5 artists who embraced their queer joy and sang it from the rooftop
Whether they began their careers as their gorgeously realized, queer selves or found the courage to come out after becoming known entities, one thing is crystal clear: Living authentically makes for some powerful art.
That may sound obvious, but for too long — and even still today — musicians have faced pressure to stay in the closet if they want to “make it.” Thank goddess these artists chose the other path, embracing who they are and spreading queer joy to audiences around the world.To kick off Pride month, and just because we’ll never stop stanning creators whose drive to succeed doesn’t keep them from fully expressing themselves, here are five music videos that champion the LGBTQ experience.Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander came out publicly as gay in March 2015, just before the release of his debut album Communion.
The album was hailed for its unapologetic queerness, and the following year, Alexander released a new version of the track “Desire” featuring Tove Lo, along with a video meant to “celebrate all different kinds of sexuality and queer identities.” “Is it desire?
Or is it love that I’m feeling for you?” the song asks, and judging by the video, there may be a third option — something in between that speaks directly to the queer experience.Known to fans as the lesbian Jesus, Haley Kiyoko released “Curious” on her debut album Expectations.
